Gary Shapley’s brief tenure as acting IRS Commissioner has ended abruptly amidst political turmoil and a Hunter Biden probe controversy.
At a Glance
- Gary Shapley was removed as acting IRS commissioner shortly after his appointment.
- His removal involved disputes with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Elon Musk.
- Shapley remains an adviser within the IRS, with Billy Long expected to become the permanent commissioner.
- Elon Musk’s influence in Shapley’s appointment was disputed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Shapley’s Short-Lived Appointment
Gary Shapley served as the interim IRS commissioner for just two days before being replaced by Michael Faulkender. His appointment, bypassed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, led to back-channel discussions and discontent. Shapley is known for his stand against purported biases in the Hunter Biden investigation, making accusations of obstruction by Biden-connected individuals.
Elon Musk supported Shapley’s appointment, leading to an internal dispute involving Bessent. President Trump, following Bessent’s request, sanctioned the changing of positions, underscoring Shapley’s swift demotion.
Power Struggles and Displacement
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent conveyed concerns about Musk’s influence in the appointment process. Shapley’s ousting is notably tied to disputes over internal appointments and the loyalty dynamics within the Trump administration. Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency had advocated for Shapley’s role, contrasting Bessent’s preference for Faulkender.
“Gary Shapley’s passion and thoughtfulness for approaching ways by which to create durable and lasting reforms at the IRS is essential to our work, and he remains among my most important senior advisors.” – Scott Bessent.
Musk’s endorsement of Howard Lutnick for Treasury roles furthered the discord, as Bessent sought to reverse Shapley’s installation. The shift in leadership highlights an ongoing power struggle within the administration’s ranks.
Ongoing Developments and Senior Roles
With Shapley no longer in the acting commissioner role, he continues to serve as a senior adviser within the IRS. The position transition reflects broader efforts to reconcile internal policy disagreements and align administrative objectives. Meanwhile, Billy Long awaits Senate confirmation to assume the permanent role of IRS commissioner.
“Disagreements are a normal part of any healthy policy process, and ultimately everyone knows they serve at the pleasure of President Trump.” – Karoline Leavitt.
Shapley, alongside colleague Joseph Ziegler, previously testified about alleged Justice Department interference in the Hunter Biden investigation. Despite changes in his position, his enduring role within the department reflects ongoing efforts to address systemic concerns and maintain oversight integrity.
